In a display of local talent, it was fitting that a former Smoky Hill High guard took over the tight proceedings at Magness Arena on Wednesday night. Northern Colorado junior guard Will Figures was the difference in overtime, ducking under a University of Denver defender to knock down a jump shot, then sinking six foul shots as DU defenders in vain tried to stop his drives to the basket in a 71-66 overtime victory.

Figures, the son of former CU and NFL star Deon Figures, credited his long hours at the free-throw line for a 9-for-9 mark that improved his season percentage to 93.3 and boosted his total to a season-high 17 points.

“He’s a great player,” said DU’s Nate Rohnert. “He’s lightning quick and a difficult matchup for us.”

Former George Washington High standout Jabril Banks created problems closer to the basket, powering for 20 points, including foul shots with 34 seconds left in overtime.

It was UNC’s first win of the season and its first victory at DU since 1989.

“We needed that one,” said UNC coach Tad Boyle.

There were nine ties and only a combined 13 turnovers in the 111th meeting of the rivals, with DU featuring nine former Colorado prep players and UNC suiting up seven.

“This is a great game for college basketball in the state of Colorado,” Boyle said.

Of his 0-3 mark, DU coach Joe Scott said: “I’m not happy at all with the record, but I do see growth if you can take a positive from a heart-breaking loss.”

Rohnert, a junior from Chaparral High, scored a career-high 24 points, but missed two foul shots with the score tied and 36 seconds left in regulation.

“It’s tough to get past,” Rohnert said. “We had a chance to win and I didn’t come through with my free throws. It is not going to be easy forgetting this loss, but like coach Scott said, ‘You learn from your mistakes and get better.'”

Theresa Smith, Special to The Post

CSU 78, New Orleans 60

FORT COLLINS — Andy Ogide recorded a career-high 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Rams (3-2). The Associated Press

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